In support of
Mad March Hare - Our History
The Mad March Hare owes it’s creation to a very inspirational lady, Irene Hare.
Irene was a member of Swindon Twin Peaks power walking group and took part in many London Marathon Moonwalks. She was a keen fundraiser for Breakthrough. Adopting a lifestyle where she did everything possible to look after her health and well being. Her enthusiasm for life, energy and smile inspired others to do the same.
Irene sadly lost her life to breast cancer in 2006, aged only 46 but her spirit lives on.
In November 2006, her colleagues at BP organised “Irenes Walk” which attracted 80 people (including members of Swindon Twin Peaks) and raised sponsorship money for Breakthrough Wiltshire.
With the success of “Irene’s Walk” and the fact that Swindon has the largest power walking group in the United Kingdom (100+ members), the newly formed Swindon Twin Peaks volunteer committee (headed by Eunice Salmon) thought they should have a power walking event of our own and in 2007 they came up with the idea of starting an annual event in Irene’s honour. Key aims of the event were to encourage people to become more active, to promote a community spirit and to raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer Wiltshire.
A separate Organising Team was created with 4 volunteers (Shirley Garman, Eunice Salmon, Margaret Nicholson and Mandy Martin) and the Mad March Hare was underway. The Team worked hard to secure funding to support the event and were delighted that Swindon Borough Council were able to provide practical support through Challenge Swindon (formally Active Swindon) and financial support with a cash grant from the “Quality of Life” Awards Scheme. Mandy Martin was successful in obtaining funds from the National Lottery’s “Awards for All” Scheme.
After 6 months of planning, the first Mad March Hare did not start as intended. Adverse weather in the week before flooded half of the 5km and 10km routes and Lydiard Park was under water. For the health and safety of the entrants and volunteer marshals, the event had to be postponed. The Organising Team were bitterly disappointed but worked hard to rearrange it for two weeks later. This time the sun shone brightly and 240 people ran and walked round either a 5km or 10km route, taking in the beautiful surroundings of Lydiard Park. The first Mad March Hare was a success!!!!
In 2008 we attracted our first sponsors – the Big Adventure Store and Les Slinn Personal Training. We are really proud to say that have continued to sponsor the Mad March Hare Event which is growing from strength to strength and is now recognised across Swindon. We are looking to attract 1000 entrants and 100 volunteers for 2012.
The Organising Team has also changed and grown – see “Meet the Organising Team”. We are all volunteers who work really hard year round to make the Event the successful and fun occasion it is.
The Event continues with our grateful support from local grants and sponsorship and from local organisations, both public and private.
Our long term plan is to continue providing a well organised, fun event open to everyone and to sustain maximum participation in the future.
Our Sponsors
How to Help Us
Take part in the event
Get sponsored for the event
Volunteer as a marshall
Become a corporate sponsor
Advertise on this website
Contact Us
www.madmarchhare.org.uk
info @ madmarchhare.org.uk
0845 6808064
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